Madam, - Michael McCarthy's benign experiences with Aer Lingus (May 25th) differ quite sharply from my own.
While in Berlin recently we were obliged to return to Dublin earlier than expected. For this privilege, even with three days' notice, Aer Lingus charged us an additional €450 for two people (total cost for two: €634). The flight was also late and half-full and in-flight service was rude and offhand.
We consider we were treated downright badly. We flew Easy Jet the previous week from Estonia to Berlin (booked at the terminal) for €54 for two people.
I had a similar experience with Aer Lingus some months ago returning from Manchester on a one-way flight. The cost? €250. Your reader is right when he says the cheap, no-frills airlines do not compare to Aer Lingus. The former are nearly always on time, and courteous, affordable and fair in their dealings with the public. Sell off Aer Lingus. It will be no loss. - Yours, etc,
DAVID O'BRIEN, South Frederick Street, Dublin 2.